Supporters of Pilot Butte State Park have found themselves entangled in a land use process after learning about plans for a new apartment complex at the foot of the Butte. Because their concerns emerged after the public comment period for the development, members of the Save Pilot Butte group sought to appeal the development’s approval, […]
Erin Rook
Erin was a writer and editor at the Source from 2013 to 2016.
Posted inNews
Fire damages Broken Top duplex
Bend firefighters responded to a fire in the Broken Top neighborhood this afternoon. The blaze, which was climbing up the side of the duplex at 61701 Bridge Creek Rd., damaged the exterior of the unit, according to Battalion Chief David Howe. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation “The Bend Fire Department […]
Posted inNews
Reporting on Pot
Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon, more publications are beefing up their cannabis coverage. Some publications—chiefly the alt-weeklies—have regular pot columns. And now, the Oregonian is getting in on the action. The O is looking for a freelance “cannabis critic” to, according to the job posting, “critique marijuana strains, infused products and highlight […]
Posted inNews
A Historic Hazard
Why the City is preserving a squatter’s shack
From the outside, the plain rectangular building is unremarkable. Chipped white wood siding frames three carriage doors, askew from years of squatter traffic. One is boarded up with a large sheet of plywood in a vain attempt to keep trespassers out. Thick locks proved only a temporary deterrent, and for the bold, a large opening […]
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Destination Downtown
Albany’s Rod Porsche replaces Chuck Arnold at Downtown Bend
In many ways, Chuck Arnold was as much a fixture in downtown Bend as the silver statue of a man sitting on the bench in front of Starbucks. And now, Rod Porsche, who is taking over Arnold’s position as executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA), knows he has big shoes to fill. […]
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City and County consider marijuana regulations
Following last week’s public hearings, the Deschutes County Commission has decided not to opt out of allowing marijuana-related businesses in the unincorporated county, and will instead discuss regulatory options further at its September meeting. While an opt out could re-emerge, commissioners say they hope to find a middle ground between the needs of the growing […]
Posted inMusic
Watkins Family Hour
Ex-Nickel Creek siblings hit the road with Fiona Apple and friends
Siblings Sara and Sean Watkins didn’t mean to start a new band, record an album, or go on tour. Sometimes, these things just happen. Over the past decade, when the two weren’t on tour with the Grammy award-winning bluegrass group Nickel Creek, they’ve held residency in a club called the Largo, hosting a show called […]
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Bend 2030 and COBA ask City Council to broaden gas tax discussion
In a joint letter sent to Bend City Council earlier today, community visioning group Bend 2030 and the Central Oregon Builders’ Association ask Council to consider street funding options beyond a gas tax. At the August 5 Council meeting, four City Councilors voted in support of putting a gas tax on the March ballot and […]
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Donald Trump Tops Polls Following First Debate
Local Rep. Knute Buehler calls the polarizing candidate “out of touch”
Thursday’s Republican debate, hosted by FOX News, could have just as easily been a stand-up comedy routine headlined by Donald Trump, and featuring a long list of opening acts. Trump got the majority of the airtime, and many seemed to tune in just to hear what might come out of the gaffe-prone candidate’s mouth. At […]
Posted inNews
City Moves Forward with SDC Exemptions for Affordable Housing
Side Notes 8/12-8/19
At its August 5 meeting, Bend City Council voted to move forward with an incentive plan aimed at encouraging the development of more affordable housing units. In its second and final vote, Council approved an ordinance that will waive some system development charges—the fees that help pay for infrastructure costs associated with new developments—for affordable […]
